The practice of dental hygienists

What it does

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

This bill expands the circumstances under which dental hygienists are permitted to practice dental hygiene. Under the bill, dental hygienists are allowed to practice in the following settings without the authorization and presence of a licensed dentist: 1) federal, state, county, or municipal correctional or detention facilities and facilities established to provide care for terminally ill patients; 2) charitable institutions open to the general public or members of a religious sect or order; 3) nonprofit home health care agencies; 4) nonprofit dental care programs serving primarily indigent, economically disadvantaged, or migrant worker populations; 5) nursing homes, community-based residential facilities, and hospitals; and 6) facilities that are primarily operated for the purpose of providing outpatient medical services.

Current law does not specifically authorize dental hygienists to practice in facilities operated primarily to provide outpatient medical services. Also, current law does not permit dental hygienists to practice in settings 1) through 5) unless a licensed dentist who is present authorizes the services or the services are performed under a written or oral prescription and certain other conditions are met.

Who's behind it

44 lawmakers are its authors⁠. 30 are Republicans and 14 are Democrats.

20 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

Versions and amendments

Every text the Legislature printed for this bill, including proposed changes. Each opens on the Legislature's site.

• Amendment Histories
• LC Amendment Memo